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histamine

Syllabification: (his·ta·mine)

Definition of histamine

noun

Biochemistry
  • a compound that is released by cells in response to injury and in allergic and inflammatory reactions, causing contraction of smooth muscle and dilation of capillaries.
    • A heterocyclic amine; chemical formula: C5H9N3

Derivatives

histaminic

Pronunciation: /ˌhistəˈminik/

adjective

Origin:

early 20th century: blend of histidine and amine

histamine in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of histamine in the British & World English dictionary